Oby Ezekwesili labels President's speech 'a terrible case of missed opportunity'

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has called President Muhammadu Buharis Monday speech

In his first national address since his return from London on Saturday, August 19, 2017, President Buhari addressed issues such as the country's unity as well as Boko Haram's resurgence in the north.

However, he failed to address persistent questions revolving around his ill health that kept him out of the country for 103 days while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo acted in his place.

Reacting to the speech on her Twitter account , the former minister tweeted, "I can give an instant Citizen's feedback to President that his Speech this morning was a a terrible case of MISSED OPPORTUNITY."

The President flew to London on May 7 to resume treatment for an illness whose secrecy divided opinions across the country.

The speech he made on Monday has not done much to quash that division as many feel like the president avoided a lot of topical issues.

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While speaking from Aso Rock on Monday, he said, "In the course of my stay in the United Kingdom, I have been kept in daily touch with events at home. Nigerians are robust and lively in discussing their affairs, but I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the social media have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far.

"Nigeria's unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.

"Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance.

"Furthermore, I am charging the Security Agencies not to let the successes achieved in the last 18 months be a sign to relax.

"Terrorists and criminals must be fought and destroyed relentlessly so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety.

"Therefore we are going to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against; elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets, kidnappings, farmers versus herdsmen clashes; in addition to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall tackle them all.

"Finally, dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty differences and come together to face common challenges of; economic security, political evolution and integration; as well as lasting peace among all Nigerians."